Richard may not be Dunne at Villa

Aston Villa: Richard Dunne's claret and blue career may not be over says Paul Lambert

Paul Lambert has not discussed a new Villa contract with Richard Dunne, whose deal expires at the end of June.

Dunne has been unable to kick a ball competitively all season after sustaining a groin injury last summer.

The
33-year-old is still not fit enough to play any part in Villa’s final two fixtures – and Lambert doubts he will be able to feature in Ireland’s forthcoming internationals.

Dunne has been training with Villa’s academy youngsters and looks set to become a free agent when his four-year deal ends.

Asked about the prospect of Dunne being offered a new contract, Lambert replied: “I haven’t spoken to him at all about that.

“I need to see how his fitness is. He’s doing really fine at the moment, training with the kids.

“He’s
not played for nearly a year so to ask the lad to go and play for his country this summer is too much. He’s got to be comfortable with himself
with the injury. The most important thing for me is that he can keep playing.

“He’s a top international player, who has just been unfortunate this injury has been an absolute nightmare for us.

“Once I know he’ll be all right we can look at it. The door is not closed, not at all.’’